Toadsuckers

I like to think I am a gentleman. One of the criteria of such is self-composure under trying circumstances. This is even more challenging when there is name-calling happening. Miss Manners’ advice is never return rudeness with rudeness. This is called ‘setting a good example’ or ‘not stooping’.

On the other hand when I am in a sordid situation my mind immediately comes up with nasty comebacks and back talking. It makes my eyes cross to discover how readily and quickly acrimony arises from the recesses of my brain.

Spo-slights and insults and name calling have grandiloquence to them. I am less likely to call someone a bastard as a slobberdegullion. These gems puzzle the recipient and makes him pause to ponder whether or not he’s been actually insulted. It also shows a bit of superiority and sophistication.*

But my favorite seems to be “toadsucker”. When the shadow-side of my psyche wants a vile word it pops up as first in line. Sucking toads implies the suckee has sucked all the vitriol and bitterness out of said toad, not unlike a vampire or as a parasite. “Toad sucker” is an indirect speech act for the recipient to hear between the words the implication he sucks something worse than a toad but I am too high-class to say what out loud.

I do desire we may be better strangers, lol that’s my favorite. Growing up in the country I have heard a lot of… shall we say, very colourful name calling; however they are names that are complete opposite to the point of your post.

You are right of course.
Curse words are not just words but linguistic manifestations of the emotional part of the brain. This is known by anyone who knows curse words in foreign languages, but they carry no relief to say them.

Toads and frogs can look similar. As can moths and butterflies. I’ve often found it interesting that people can be creeped out by toads and moths – but see frogs and butterflies as beautiful.
Recently a striped marsh frog took up residence in our inner-city front yard. Which is pretty cool.
I don’t do insulting well.

I am a traditionalist when if comes to crude words. I am civil in the office, in 8 years I have slipped twice. But in traffic – of my if the other drivers could hear what I say about them – it is a good thing they can’t hear.

I’m rereading the playscript of Brief Lives and John Aubrey speaks of Dr Ralph Kettell the President of Trinity College Oxford who “would scold the idle boys at the College, he called ’em: Turds,Tarrarags, Rascal-Jacks, Blind-sinks, Scobber-lotchers, Crinkum!”